A Spell of Good Things
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A Spell of Good Things
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Narrated by:
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Ore Apampa
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Babajide Oyekunle
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By:
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Ayobami Adebayo
About this listen
LONGLISTED FOR THE BOOKER PRIZE 2023
MOST ANTICIPATED BOOK OF 2023: the Observer, Guardian, Financial Times, Stylist, the Express and Oprah Daily
Ayòbámi Adébáyò, the Women's Prize-shortlisted author of Stay With Me, unveils a dazzling story of modern Nigeria and two families caught in the riptides of wealth, power, romantic obsession and political corruption.
Eniola is tall for his age, a boy who looks like a man. His father has lost his job, so Eniola spends his days running errands for the local tailor, collecting newspapers and begging, dreaming of a big future.
Wuraola is a golden girl, the perfect child of a wealthy family. Now an exhausted young doctor in her first year of practice, she is beloved by Kunle, the volatile son of family friends.
When a local politician takes an interest in Eniola and sudden violence shatters a family party, Wuraola and Eniola's lives become intertwined. In this breathtaking novel, Ayòbámi Adébáyò shines her light on Nigeria, on the gaping divide between the haves and the have-nots, and the shared humanity that lives in between.
©2023 Ayobami Adebayo (P)2023 Canongate BooksListeners also enjoyed...
Critic reviews
"A moving story, skilfully told, about Eniola, a boy whose future has been snatched away from him, and Wuraola, a talented, overworked junior doctor, whose intertwined narratives combine to produce an insightful portrait of an unequal and deeply divided society moving towards a terrible crisis. A Spell of Good Things is both gripping and memorable." (Pat Barker)
"Adebayo’s mesmerizing prose is suffused with heart and sharp emotions. Every page of this book was a pleasure to read. Even the hard parts. A Spell of Good Things is a triumph of storytelling." (Chika Unigwe)
"All characters matter in Ayobami Adebayo’s intricate, haunting and timely fictional exploration of classism and sexism set in Nigeria’s election season." (Sefi Atta)
What listeners say about A Spell of Good Things
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- miss dee
- 13-05-24
WOW
It took me a while to get into this book so if you struggling trust me it's gets better!!! With hindsight I got to appreciate why the author took time to develop the characters because when the weaving of the two stories began it beautifully came together. The book touched on so many poignant social issues that leave you deep in thought. The romantic in me ofcourse wanted a better ending but I understand why it ended like it did. Would be a good book club read. Narration was spot on!! Great listen and I'm glad i did not give up!
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Jolafab
- 12-03-23
This story could have been better.
I enjoyed listening to this book until I got to the uneven narration. This spoilt the overall experience for me. The 2 voices did not flow together. Worst still for me as an Ijesha girl was hearing my language being spoken so badly and even some Yoruba words were said wrongly. Why did the author not find people who knew the language to read the book? I didn't like the ending as it seemed like there is a part 2 but no mention of that. It was left hanging.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 26-07-24
Nigeria at a view
After trying to listen to this book and not passing chapter 4 on several occasions, I finally decided to give it one last try and I guess the 5th time was a charm. I’m one for slow burners and I appreciated how this book took me on various journeys. The narrators did a great job in portraying the main characters journeys.
That being said, I didn’t like the ending, it felt rushed and unfinished.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 25-11-23
A work of art
Imagery is immaculate
Storytelling is stupendous
Narration is fab
Looking forward to more from this author
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story2 out of 5 stars
- Meilifisayo
- 19-11-23
Good
Don’t like the open ending of the book. I wish time was taken to finish the book properly
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Ginika Fotofili
- 26-10-23
Absorbing Novel
Captivating from the first chapter and beautifully narrated. Rivetting and emotional story full of heartbreak.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Tolu Jaiyebo
- 09-02-23
Exceptional
Ayobami writes like a dream, and Ore and Babajide brought this dream to life with their narration. They did a stellar job bringing the characters to life and I can't wait to hear more of their narrations!
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Annette Dake
- 07-06-24
Vivid storytelling in a stunning unwinding of a tragic tale
Nigerian society and politics are described so well through the lives of rich and poor. I was hooked from the start. The description of Eniola being spat at was so graphic I could smell it and it put me off my dinner.
I loved how so many aspects of life were described especially the aunties critiquing Yeye's birthday party. Young women were scolded by a rebukes framed in terms of what a potential husband would think. That is all too familiar!
There was humour and tender descriptions of family relationships. The pace swept you along until you felt yourself suddenly caught in currents that were only going to dash your heart against the rocks.
A great read.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- JAO
- 09-07-24
Outstanding
I enjoyed Stay With Me, but this one is far more nuanced with an understanding of two class divides in one country and so much else in subplots. The wide encompassing of economics, sociological and political issues in a novel is a major task, which Abayomi Adebayo pulls off seamlessly.
If you want an understanding of how Nigeria really functions, beyond the stereotypes portrayed, this is the book for you.
The narrators were outstanding. An apparent lisp from the male narrator disappeared and his ability, and that of the female narrator, to differentiate between the characters was exceptional.
In short, a superb listen.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Erica
- 18-03-24
Wow it took me on a journey.
Wura and Eniola are fully developed characters who take you into their inner thoughts such that you empathise, become fiercely protective and just want to hug them. The politics, socioeconomic issues, the gender issues, etc. fully packed with all the good stuff that make a good novel. I thought nothing could surpass stay with me but this is a strong contender. Well done Ayobami
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